The Cider-Off

A cider-off  with two entry level ciders from Bacchanalia

For a change, we tried a couple of entry-level ciders. These two are very different in style.

The Crones is more of an expressive crowd-pleaser; the Angry Wasp, more focused and hipster.

Angry Wasp on paper, technically the better cider. Cloudy yellow; sharp, crisp, grapefruity and rather neutral with a touch of musky appleskin. Somehow, a little thin.

Either it's an acquired taste or it needs more time to fill out with age.

Crones pale amber with musky apple skin and yeast aromas. Complex bitter roasted and brown apple flavours balanced with sweetness and citrussy acidity. Plenty of interest going on - enjoyable, even if it doesn't hang together completely harmoniously.

Match either of these with pork dishes - stews, roasted, with cream and mustard or in cider sauce.